Meet This Fall’s CLC Students
Who are the students of the Community Learning Center? Where do they come from, what are they doing, and where do they want to go? Here’s what this fall’s class looks like.
The CLC is privileged to have a diverse group of students who bring a ton of knowledge and energy from all over the world. Students hail from countries as diverse as Haiti, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, as well as El Salvador, Colombia, Dominican Republic, China, Korea, Brazil, Ukraine, Cape Verde, Tibet, Japan and Egypt.
98% are low-income, 63 % are women, and 85% identify as people of color.
Our learners have bold goals for themselves! There are currently 81 students in the Adult Basic Education (ABE) division, some developing their reading, writing, and math skills and some preparing for their high school equivalency credential (GED or HiSET). In addition, 15 students are preparing for their citizenship exam in order to become US citizens.
The English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) division has 567 students across a range of programs. Among those in career-oriented programs, 15 are studying to be Certified Nursing Assistants and 14 to become Early Childhood Educators. Eighteen students recently graduated from the Information Technology program, and 13 finished the Biomedical training program in September.
And of course, let’s not forget our amazing Bridge to College program, which is currently helping 16 students develop the skills they need to attend college and earn degrees. And the Friends of the CLC are still here to support last year’s graduates, providing them with mentors and college coaches and ensuring they can afford books and laptops.
The CLC also has a unique new mini-course for English language learners called the Eco-club. This 10 week course for intermediate language learners will cover environmental themes through hands-on activities and guest speakers. Topics discussed will include recycling, energy alternatives, emergency preparedness, gardens and green roofs, plastic use, transportation, natural disasters, pollution and global climate movements.
We wish all the new and returning students best of luck this term, and hope you’ll continue to help us support them!
